The National President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Joe Ajero, says the Union is planning to engage in discussions with both the Federal and State Governments regarding workers’ salary increment nationwide.
Ajero disclosed this at a Rights of Workers Summit in Birnin Kebbi, stating that the initiative became necessary due to the expiration of the current minimum wage of 70,000 naira last July, which he said was not not a living wage.
Ajaero, represented by the Deputy President, Audu Amba, noted that any minimum wage below 500,000 naira would not suffice to meet the needs of workers, given the current socioeconomic hardships faced by civil servants in the country.
The President clarified that the NLC is not in confrontation with the executive branch of government but only advocating for workers’ rights and addressing the rising cost of living, expressing optimism that their requests would be taken into consideration.
In his address, Kebbi state Governor, Nasir Idris, reminded attendees that he was the first leader in the country to implement a minimum wage of 75,000 naira, assuring the workers that he would support the implementation of the next minimum wage as soon as the Federal Government approves it.
The governor also promised to advocate for its consideration at the Governors’ Forum whenever it arises for discussion, highlighting the crucial role of civil servants in nation-building, which he said deserves commendation and just compensation.
